Cala Goloritzé in Sardinia takes first place in "The World's 50 Best Beaches 2025". Discover all 50 most beautiful beaches on the planet

The breathtaking Cala Goloritzé in Sardinia, Italy, has claimed the top spot in the prestigious “The World’s 50 Best Beaches 2025” ranking, beating out iconic destinations like the Caribbean and the Maldives. Experts described this Mediterranean gem as “a mystical amphitheater on the beach.”

“Its wild beauty has the power to move you from the very first glance. Whether you’re admiring it from above or standing with your feet in the water, the view is truly breathtaking.”

This secluded cove in the Gulf of Orosei mesmerized the panel—made up of over 1,000 travel experts and influencers—thanks to its dramatic limestone pinnacle rising 469 feet, a natural arch carved by the sea, and crystal-clear turquoise waters framed by fragrant Mediterranean scrub.

The 10 most stunning beaches on earth

Here’s a closer look at the top 10 winners from around the globe, each offering something uniquely unforgettable.

1. Cala Goloritzé – Sardinia, Italy

A sanctuary of limestone cliffs, piercing turquoise water, and Mediterranean wilderness that feels untouched by time. Reachable only by a hiking trail or boat, this protected area is the epitome of natural elegance.

2. Entalula Beach – Philippines

A tiny private island in the Calamian archipelago, Entalula is all about powdery white sand and tranquil waters. It’s a serene escape for those looking to disconnect from it all.

3. Bang Bao Beach – Thailand

Nestled on Koh Chang island, this beach is famed for its floating fishing village, calm snorkeling-friendly waters, and rows of palm trees swaying over golden sand.

4. Fteri Beach – Kefalonia, Greece

Accessible only by boat or a steep hike, Fteri Beach rewards the adventurous with golden sand, turquoise water, and lush vegetation clinging to towering cliffs.

5. PK 9 Beach – French Polynesia

Located on Fakarava, part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this untouched beach is a snorkeling paradise and one of the Pacific’s most magical, remote escapes.

6. Canto de la Playa – Dominican Republic

Set in Las Terrenas, this beach offers natural shade from palm trees, clear turquoise water, and a wild beauty that ranks it among the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets.

7. Anse Source d’Argent – Seychelles

A global icon thanks to its otherworldly granite boulders, baby-powder sand, and clear water. Despite its fame, it still exudes calm and peace.

8. Nosy Iranja – Madagascar

Made of two islands linked by a sandbar, Nosy Iranja is home to vibrant marine life, making it a dream for snorkeling and diving.

9. Ofu Beach – American Samoa

Ofu Beach stuns with its untouched coral reefs, white sand, and serene water—offering total seclusion in the South Pacific.

10. Grace Bay – Turks and Caicos

Located on Providenciales, Grace Bay blends soft white sand with calm, crystal-clear water, making it one of the Caribbean’s most beloved destinations.

Full list: the world’s 50 best beaches in 2025

1. Cala Goloritzé, Italy

2. Entalula Beach, Philippines

3. Bang Bao Beach, Thailand

4. Fteri Beach, Greece

5. PK 9 Beach, French Polynesia

6. Canto de la Playa, Dominican Republic

7. Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles

8. Nosy Iranja, Madagascar

9. Ofu Beach, American Samoa

10. Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos

11. Turquoise Bay, Australia

12. Boulders Beach, South Africa

13. Pink Beach, Indonesia

14. Shoal Bay East, Anguilla

15. Detwah Lagoon, Yemen

16. Voutoumi Beach, Greece

17. One Foot Island, Cook Islands

18. Playa de Rodas, Spain

19. Balandra Beach, Mexico

20. Pontal do Atalaia, Brazil

21. Wharton Beach, Australia

22. Cayo de Agua, Venezuela

23. Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands

24. Zapatilla Cay, Japan

25. Baía do Sancho, Brazil

26. Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda

27. Palambak Island, Indonesia

28. Freedom Beach, Thailand

29. The Baths, British Virgin Islands

30. Anse Georgette, Seychelles

31. Ffryes Beach, Antigua and Barbuda

32. Grand Anse, Grenada

33. Le Morne Beach, Mauritius

34. Bahía de las Águilas, Dominican Republic

35. Meads Bay, Anguilla

36. Porto Katsiki, Greece

37. Nudey Beach, Australia

38. Bon Bon Beach, Philippines

39. Saadiyat Beach, UAE

40. Goyambokka Beach, Sri Lanka

41. Playa Punta Uva, Costa Rica

42. Siesta Beach, United States

43. Paje Beach, Zanzibar

44. Little Bonaire Beach, Bonaire

45. Cathedral Cove, New Zealand

46. Santa Giulia, France

47. Gardner Bay, Ecuador

48. Keem Beach, Ireland

49. Kuramathi Sandbank, Maldives

50. La Pelosa, Italy

Italy proudly opens and closes the list, placing its natural treasures among the best on the planet.

Have you been to any of these paradise spots?

Which of these dreamy shores have you crossed off your bucket list? And which ones are making it onto your next travel itinerary?